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Collinsville,
Oklahoma
July 31, 2018 Citizen Water Quality Concerns |
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| A citizen-led "City Water Issue Meeting" was held Tuesday July 31, 2018 at the West Main Event Center. There were about 100 in attendance including city representatives. Phil Ostrander provided the facilities and led the question/answer session. City Public Works Director Craig Stokes and an engineer (Steve Toler?) for the firm designing major improvements to the city water treatment plant (which won't be completed until 2020) presented long term and a few interim water treatment changes, then answered questions for the city. The main concerns voiced were in regards to the (foul) odor and taste of city water as well as health concerns. The city (& DEQ) say the city water is "safe" but acknowledge the ordor/taste issues and are working for improvements. | |||||||||
 Recent inspection says "water is safe" |
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 Some near-term possibilities being considered by city to improve taste/odor |
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 Significant ($3.2 Million) Long-Term Upgrade to Collinsville Water Treatment Plant Scheduled to complete by mid-2020 |
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| Partial Summary
of Key Topics Discussed-- * Drinking water is safe * Majority of those present agreed Collinsville City Water odor & taste is unacceptable * City considering short term solutions: more carbon filtering, more line flushing, chemicals in lake for alge * Some of short term solutions could add $20K cost (& also require DEQ approval) * Taste & odor problems are common to many cities * $3.2 Million upgrade to existing water plant facilities expected to complete by May 2020 * There are differing definitions for "lake turnover" ... the city is referring to a change in the boundry level between the top sun heated water and the bottom heated layer * What makes water smell & taste bad? - the level of organics (carbon based) & manganese * Why wasn't this addressed earlier? -- it has been addressed many times to varying degrees * Tests are required and performed monthly and quarterly -- out of compliance letters are required * Consider oxidation earlier in the process (at raw waater pump station -- requires approval/chemicals) * Consider bypass of city lake -- adds flow control issues * Consider (expensive) dredging of city lake to reduce sediment * $2.2 million estimate just to upgrade 14 block of the old distribution system in town * "Deadend" water distribution lines make problem worse ... additional flushing helps * Water tower drain, inspect and maintenance already planned ... standpipe already done * Citizen concerns that water issues not given proper priority * Consider buying already treated water (see section below with 2012 buy -vs- treat study) * Are the chemicals safe? * Who pays for this? * Why weren't Mayor, city commissioners or city manager at this meeting to hear citizen concerns? * A followup meeting is likely according to Phil Ostrander |
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August 2012 City
Decided To Study Choice Between Improving local water treatment facilities
-vs- buying treated water. Nov.
5, 2012 City Meet -- Report On Long Range Water Plan -- Recommends
Fixing Own Water System Rather Than Purchase Of Tulsa Water |
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 DEQ Letter currently posted at City Hall |
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